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Barbie is the cultural reset we’ve needed. Super odd and toxic idealistic standards aside (if a doctor is offering a “Barbie nose job”—run), Barbiemania is the PR breakthrough the color pink has been waiting for. Barbie Pink is power. It’s not just for little girls in tutus, mean teens on Wednesdays, or Elle-Woods-wannabes. Pink-obsessed adults—hi, it’s me—have long known the power of this color. But now, more people are getting in on the fun.
Experts in This Article
clinical psychologist, life fulfillment expert, and author of Date Smart, Joy From Fear, and Aging Joyfully
Pink is for grown-ass adults who are unabashedly indulging in whimsy and play. We’re sporting all of the hot pink lipsticks, dresses, and platforms. And soaking up all the accompanying mood-boosting benefits.
“When we claim a color such as hot pink—wearing it as a badge of strength and inner beauty—the color itself becomes a reflection of the wearer,” says Carla Marie Manly, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of Date Smart ($17). “For many, the vibrancy of hot pink elicits wilder feelings of hot passion, romance, and sensuality. For others, hot pink evokes warm-toned feelings of femininity, sweetness, comfort, and compassion. Some associate hot pink with powerful feminine intuition and empowerment. Hot pink—as a symbol of compassion, strength, and feminine energy—can be a wonderful mood-boosting tonic for the soul.”
Because the love of pink is often (though wrongly) infantilized, claiming pink as an adult can connect you to your inner child, whether you once loved the color or shunned it for being “too girly.”
“Bold colors have a of bringing out playful inner child energy,” says Dr. Manly. “Hot pink tones speak to the inner child who so often craves to be seen, loved, and treasured. When we embrace bold, upbeat tones like hot pink, the inner child feels free to step out, play, and be seen.”
Been dying to give pink a try but feeling shy? Now is the perfect time.
“If you’re nervous about wearing hot pink, allow yourself to sit with the nervousness feelings to understand their roots,” says Dr. Manly. “In many cases, the inner critic is trying to convince you that you shouldn’t do something because ‘it’s not okay.’ If your inner critic is the cause of your anxiety, imagine setting yourself free from that negative voice. Then, choose a different internal message—a mantra—that feels empowering such as, ‘I want to wear hot pink because it makes me smile’ or ‘I choose to wear hot pink because it makes me feel strong and wild.’ Whatever your mantra might be, embrace your right to wear whatever makes you feel joyful.”
10 ways to incorporate Barbie pink into your everyday look
As you browse the items below, have fun and add to your cart only what sparks joy. “When it comes to wearing hot pink—or any other color that makes you feel strong and amazing—tune into what feels right to you,” says Dr. Manly. “You have the right to wear colors that allow your soul to shine.”
1. Go subtle with blush
I’ve been wearing the Tower 28 Beauty BeachPlease ($20) cream in the new shade Dream Hour every single day since it arrived on my doorstep. It’s the perfect fuschia—it’s bright and saccharine with subtle blue undertones to really make it pop.
Tower 28 Beauty, BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush — $20.00
2. Shake up your liner
You can go subtle with pink eyeliner—the 19/99 Beauty Precision Pencil ($26) in Rozsa is perfect for this. It’s got a super creamy formula that goes on with ease and can get you a strong line or a sultry smudge.
19/99 Beauty Precision Color Pencil — $26.00
3. Go full-on camp
The Barbie movie is camp at its finest, and I can’t think of a single more campy item than the Croc Siren Clog ($75) in Pink. They’re absurd. They’re hideous. They’re iconic.
Croc, Siren Clog — $75.00
4. Take Barbie to work
There’s nothing more badass than a Barbie pink blazer and you can’t tell me otherwise. The Camila Coelho, Morena Blazer ($198) in Fuschia pairs this uber-feminine shade with sharp, boxy lines for an elevated blend of whimsy and structure. And the tiny point at the top of the lapel is *chef’s kiss.* Complete the look with the matching Paulina Short ($128).
Camila Coelho, Morena Blazer — $198.00
5. Protect those peepers
These sunnies are IT. That is all.
Urban Outfitters, Birdie Wavy Round Sunglasses — $20.00
6. Get your bag
I’m a sucker for a statement bag, so the Nia Bag from Brandon Blackwood ($450) has been the main character in my dreams since I first laid eyes on it. It’s a hand-knit bag made from red and pink leather and it’s chic as hell.
Brandon Blackwood, Nia Bag — $450.00
7. Sleep like Barbie
As your Barbie head hits your Barbie pillow and you drift off into your Barbie dreamland, why not wear a Barbie nightie? The Lunya Washable Silk Tulip Back Set ($188) in the limited-edition shade Caffeinated Pink is the perfect adult answer to the Barbie nightgown you had when you were eight.
Lunya, Washable Silk Tulip Back Set — $188.00
8. C’mon, Barbie. Let’s go party
Be the center of attention at any party you enter in the stunning Norma Kamali Diana Metallic One-Shoulder Minidress ($225). It’s made from a poly-spandex blend with four-way stretch, making it so comfortable you’ll be happy to dance in it all night long.
Norma Kamali, Diana Metallic One-Shoulder Minidress — $225.00
9. Go wild with your eyeshadow
Create a pink look with tons of depth with the Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows Eyeshadow Palette ($30) in 4 Rose. It’s got five rosy hues and a pink-leaning brown so you can create multi-dimensional, monochromatic looks.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Snap Shadows Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette — $30.00
10. Pink up your pout
One swipe of the Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick ($20) in the shade Ascend will have you wondering if your heels can still touch the ground. It’s a punchy fuchsia in a comfortable finish that lasts so you can serve Barbie realness all day long.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick — $20.00
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